5 Useful Tips To Treat Mental Health Disorders In Teens

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Is your talkative and friendly teen suddenly turning a loner? Is your kid throwing up after every meal in a desperate bid to avoid weight gain? Well, if you have been noticing your teen’s odd behavior reading this post is a good idea.

From depression and anxiety to phobias and aggressiveness, there are several mental disorders that may affect a teen. Do you know that approximately one in every five teens is suffering from a mental health disorder? (1) The article here gives you handy info on common teen mental disorders, symptoms and tips to handle your teen’s mental health issues. Want to know more? Read on!

Common Teenage Mental Disorders:

Around 50 percent of most common mental disorders in teens show up before 18 years of age. Here are some of the common disorders:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is quite common during adolescence. An inability to focus on tasks and objects characterises the condition. A teen with ADHD is likely to be impulsive.

Depression is another common mood disorder during the teenage years. It can influence the teen’s attitude and emotions, and can leave her feeling sad and irritable.

Bipolar Disorder affects around 1% of youth. It causes the person’s mood to change back and forth between mania and depression.

Eating Disorders include bulimia and anorexia. A teen suffering from this common mental disorder is likely to have a distorted body image. She can display a harmful behavior to manage her food and weight.

Schizophrenia affects individuals between 15 and 25 years of age. Individuals suffering from this condition may be incoherent in their communication and unrealistic in their attitude towards life. (2)

[ Read: Bipolar Disorder In Tenns ]

Symptoms Of A Mental Health Disorders In Teens:

Here is a list of common signs that indicate a mental health disorder.

1. Behavioural Changes:

Rapid and vivid changes in your teen’s behavior can suggest that she is suffering from poor mental health.

[ Read: Teenage Behaviour ]

2. Mood Swings:

Puberty may cause mood swings.However, if your teen suffers from frequent and extreme mood swings, it could be a sign of mental disorder.

3. Physical Changes:

4. Social Problems:

Mental health problems can distract your teen, which can affect her relationship with peers and school performance. (3)

[ Read: Teenage Problems With Parents ]

Tips To Treat Mental Health Disorders In Teens:

Teenage is a difficult time for both the parents and the child. Here are a few effective tips to cope with your teenage mental health disorders:

Pay close attention to your teen’s behavior and watch out for any extreme changes. Avoid undue criticism and comparison as it may cause stress to your teen and affect her self-esteem.

Mental health issues are common due to the stress of modern life. Accept that your teen is suffering from a mental health disorder, and understand that it is treatable. Overcome the stigma and address the problem tactfully and pragmatically.

Talk to your doctor and stay in touch with your teen’s school representatives. Their valuable advice and experience may help you handle your teen’s mental issues effectively.

Seek immediate professional help if you notice a drastic change in your teen’s behavior. A few counseling sessions can help your teen beat the blues.

Establish an open, honest and constant communication system with your teen. Your affection and motivation will help your teen fight mental issues better.(4)

[ Read: Social Anxiety Disorder In Teenagers ]

We hope this article helped you understand the common mental health problems teenagers face. Do let us know your views and experiences in the comments box below.